Blizzard in Rice, Kansas

Light to moderate snow, with periodic bouts of heavy snow, affected the county from the predawn hours on the 27th through the mid morning hours on the 28th. Snowfall amounts ranged from roughly 12 to 16 inches across the county. Stout north to northeast winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting of snow, with visibilities occasionally dropping to one-quarter mile or less. One reported fatality occurred during the late evening hours on the 27th. A 71-year old Bushton man passed away while he was likely tending to his cattle. It remains uncertain if weather was the main contributing factor in his death. Additionally, a handful of stranded travelers were rescued by Lyons and Sterling Fire Department personnel. Lyons News contributed to this report.

A late season winter storm of record breaking proportions struck central, south-central and southeast Kansas March 27-28, 2009. Heavy snow with blizzard conditions affected much of central and south-central Kansas, with accumulations exceeding 18 inches for some locations. Numerous buildings with mainly flat-topped roofs received various degrees of roof damage, some of which was rather extensive due to the weight of the heavy, wet snow. Many travelers became stranded due to the deep snow and blizzard conditions, some of which needed rescue by the National Guard. Meanwhile, sleet and freezing rain was the main culprit farther east across portions of south-central, east-central and southeast Kansas. Sleet accumulations up to 4 inches and ice accumulations up to three-quarters of an inch downed numerous trees, tree limbs, power poles and power lines, causing tens of thousands of power outages. The snow packed and icy roads aided in an uncountable number of auto accidents areawide. Two fatalities were attributed to the winter storm, with several injuries, most of which were due to auto accidents.